Robinho predicts massive Balotelli impact next season

By Miles Chambers

The Brazilian is delighted the club beat Pescara confidently and hopes they can secure Champions League qualification on Sunday against Roma

AC Milan forward Robinho has predicted that having Mario Balotelli at the club from the start of next season will have a huge impact following his goals in the side's 4-0 win over Pescara on Wednesday.

The Italian striker joined the Rossoneri from Manchester City on January's transfer deadline day and has gone on to score 11 goals in 11 games, including two against the Delfini.

"To have Balotelli from the start of the campaign next season will be a very important factor for us," Robinho told Milan Channel on Thursday.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move back to his homeland in the summer, having come close to following Alexandre Pato back to South America in the winter transfer window, but he has indicated a desire to stay and participate amongst the European elite again next season.

"Yesterday we got three important points at Pescara and now we have to continue on this path," the former Real Madrid star continued.

"Our objective is third place and we hope to wrap that up as soon as Sunday against Roma. I’m in good shape and let’s hope that we’ll be playing in the Champions League next season."